EXCLUSIVE: Israeli Musician David Broza Discusses Film Project 'East Jerusalem West Jerusalem'

David Broza is a man with a purpose. The Israeli-born singer-songwriter who is known for his style of mixing modern pop with Spanish music released his latest album entitled East Jerusalem West Jerusalem earlier this year, with the specific intent to have a documentary film accompany it that would capture various moments and aspects of the recording process.

Broza is now in the midst of raising money through an Indiegogo campaign which will allow the film to be completed. One of the central themes of the album, and much of Broza’s music, is a message of peace. Broza says that despite being born into a war-torn country, and constantly being aware of the conflicts that surrounded him, his goal was to always work to promote peace. His aim with the documentary was to show himself and the group of fellow musicians that he recorded the album with, from all across Israel and Palestine, being in community with each other, putting their differences aside, and just letting the music bring them together.

“The process of recording in the studio was made up of two very specific elements,” Broza explained in a recent interview with Shalom Life. “One, and most important was the actual recording studio where all the music was played and recorded. And the other element was the food! Especially dinner time. We had an Israeli and a Palestinian chef and their crews. They prepared us banquets that will not be forgotten. That is when we all got to relax together. Israeli, Palestinian, American musicians and just friends who came and joined us for the evenings. For the most part we didn't go into the studio to record after dinner. We'd have eaten too much and enjoyed a lot of wine. But the camaraderie, the stories and the laughs were enough to make us all let go and relax and continue the next day.”

Broza hopes that through his Indiegogo campaign he can raise enough money to have the film completed and to bring his message of peace to people all around the world. He encourages anyone who is interested to get involved.

“My suggestion and hope is that people who are curious about the project will look into my Indiegogo campaign and find some objects to be purchased and thus become supporters of the film and the music. The offerings are all the way from the download of the CD and the film, to special T-shirts designed by the great Nili Lotan. There are events offered, such as talks and music and meet and greet events and a unique and stunning Nili Lotan silk dress. This is all for inspirational purposes and entertainment. This project has brought me much happiness and sense of fulfillment. The mere fact that we did it in 8 days and 8 nights and felt fulfilled and accomplished musically is the greatest achievement. Now I want to play and show it to the world.”

As for what’s next for Broza, he says that the East Jerusalem West Jerusalem project will likely keep him busy for quite some time, but that he is also in the process of recording his next album with the Israeli Orchestra Andalus from Ashkelon. “This project is beautiful as I mix elements of Arab music from North Africa and mine,” he says. We can’t wait to hear it!

East Jerusalem West Jerusalem has raised $17,543 of its' $50,000 goal as of publication. The campaign ends on October 18th, 2014. To donate to Broza’s Indiegogo project, click here.